NO CHICKS ALLOWED! (…and no cocks either!)

Cute enough to eat, but apparently not cute enough to have in your Albany yard.

Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings once again stretched his wings of power and vetoed a bill that would have allowed Albany homeowners the privilege to raise and house chickens (and definitely no roosters) in their backyards.

Now I myself don’t have chickens, but I know people that do indeed raise them. In fact right across the river in Troy, residents are allowed to own and house chickens – and despite the occasional softly uttered ‘cluck’ by the chickens, all is peaceful over there in Uncle Sam land.

What I found amusing about Mayor Jennings argument is that he called the proposal “a flawed and “piecemeal approach” to the broader issue of urban agriculture.” Of course it’s a piecemeal approach, you first put the pieces together and then you enjoy a meal after the chickens are mature. What really is the concern here? A fear that residents are going to raise so many chickens that they’ll put Price Chopper out of business and then there’ll be no one left to sponsor the big 4th of July Fireworks extravaganza at the Plaza? Not likely.

Perhaps the bill will come around again and the decision reversed. I know there are good people out there that want the chance to decide what they can do on and with, their own property. I wish them luck. Till then, it just seems like the politicians in Albany don’t want to see people “have their chicken and eat it too.”

@ Jango Davis – All of the Capital District cities have their share of problems, yes. I have to hand it to Troy though, they’re willing to give new ideas a chance. Perhaps Albany will follow suit soon…? Thanks for stopping by – your comments are always welcomed here!

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